An outpouring of support for the firefighters of the North Olympic Peninsula has been shown in many ways since Sept. 11.
Some people have sent letters, others baked cookies, some lighted candles outside fire stations and several stopped by just to shake the hand of a local firefighter.
As area firefighters continue to mourn the loss of their colleagues who died or are still missing in New York, constituents on the Peninsula are showing appreciation for local efforts.
At the request of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, fire and emergency service agencies will continue to fly their flags at half-staff. In addition they will shroud their badges until Oct. 11.
“Any time there is a loss of a fire department family member we wear a shroud around our badges as one way to recognize that loss and honor the firefighter,” said Port Angeles Fire Chief Dan McKeen.
McKeen said the lowered flag also serves as remembrance for firefighters who died or are missing.
McKeen said local firefighters have been greatly affected from the loss of so many “extended family members.” Support from community members has boosted spirits for many firefighters.
In Sequim, a street display is the centerpiece for a rapidly growing show of gratitude for the local fire department, which is Clallam County Fire District No. 3.
“People are feeding us,” said District No. 3 firefighter Steve Anders.
“They are coming up to us on the street to shake our hand and say ‘thank you.”‘
Anders said one man donated 50 teddy bears to the fire station in Carlsborg as a contribution to a charity program that the district runs.
The full report appears in today’s Clallam County edition of the Peninsula Daily News. Click on “Subscribe” to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.
